Commissioner Kristin Jacobs discusses President Obama’s 2014 State of the Union Address with White House officials

Commissioner Kristin Jacobs discusses President Obama’s 2014 State of the Union Address with White House officials

From Kimberly Maroe

BROWARD COUNTY, FL. – Broward County Com-missioner Kristin Jacobs joined a small group of county officials from across the United States to provide perspective and feed-back to the White House regarding President Obama’s 2014 State of the Union Address. The conversation involved senior White House Staff and is part of the White House’s effort to engage local government. County leaders discussed issues that are important to their regions and issues they would like President Obama to prioritize in his upcoming State of the Union. Economic equality, transit and climate change were themes repeated by leaders across the country.

“As President Obama leads the nation, it will be up to local governments to promote positive changes on the ground. County leaders spoke about the importance of building an inclusive economy. We discussed the need for narrowing the opportunity gap, helping the long-term unemployed and providing skills to workers competing in a modern economy. We didn’t take credit for the number of jobs created. We talked about how to provide good jobs which pay a living wage and promote human dignity,” said Com-missioner Jacobs.

“We discussed the importance of allowing counties and metropolitan areas to become direct recipients of transportation and infrastructure funding. We applauded the President’s stance on renewable energy and climate change. There also was a strong desire to address real immigration reform. Counties are effective at moving us in the right direction and President Obama is right there with us. Local government will have an important role to play and I am honored to contribute on behalf of Broward County,” said Commissioner Jacobs.

White House officials mentioned continuing the dialogue, by planning a series of calls between the White House and county participants. President Obama will deliver his 2014 State of the Union Address on Tuesday, Jan. 28.